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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to stop my parents buying DD a new DS this Christmas?

76 replies

oopslateagain · 27/10/2011 19:20

DD is 13, an only child and the only GD for my parents. For Christmas she has the choice of a 'big' gift with a few little bits (books, sweets etc), or several smaller nice gifts.

For Christmas two years ago, DH and I went halfs with my parents to buy her a laptop to use for schoolwork. Last year, we bought her a DSi as her old DSLite was five years old and starting to fall apart.

This year she has asked for an iPod Touch. While chatting about Christmas at my parent's house, she mentioned in passing that she would love the new 3-D DS. Now my mum has said she wants to buy it.

I said no. Nintendo are going to bring out a new DS every bloody year, and I am not making a habit of replacing something yearly that is going to be out of date as soon as I get it out of the box.

She is getting the iPod Touch, and I have said that my parents can go half with us if they want. My mum is very Hmm and is implying that IABU to refuse to let her buy DD the new DS.

I think that DD needs to know that the world does not drop into her lap every time she asks.

Her birthday is not long after Christmas, mum said she could buy the DS for her then. But I still don't want her to. I think one big gift a year is fine, and she will want iTunes vouchers for her birthday if she gets the iPod for Christmas.

So, AIBU?

I should add, there's no chance of mum going out and buying it on her own as she has zero idea of 'new technology' and wouldn't know a DS from a GPS.

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 27/10/2011 19:22

Tell your mum that they have reduced the price because the 3D effects give people headaches. She's not going to want to make your DD ill is she? Wink

Original poster
oopslateagain · 27/10/2011 19:22

I should also add that DD is not expecting the 3d DS, she didn't even really ask for it, she just mentioned it. In the same way that I have said I would like a Ferrari and a milllion quid. Grin

OP posts:
squeakyfreakytoy · 27/10/2011 19:23

I think you are being a bit unreasonable yes. If her grandparents can afford it, and want to treat her, then why not let them.

MenopausalHaze · 27/10/2011 19:24

I think you absolutely should let the GP's buy her whatever they want. They won't be around for ever and it's really not hurting anyone. Just let them do it.

Bunbaker · 27/10/2011 19:27

I have heard so many reports about these gadgets causing headaches that I wouldn't want anyone to buy one for DD (who is prone to headaches anyway).

Manathome · 27/10/2011 19:27

Get an iPad, better still get the Grandparents to buy it, it is a FANTASTIC piece of equipment with so much educational use, my 2yr old has one and it has brought her on leaps and bounds in a fun way.

As for the DS 3D you are dead right, forget it, it is a trend and old technology now.

ViviPru · 27/10/2011 19:28

I honestly genuinely read this thinking they were buying her a son Confused

wailedfig · 27/10/2011 19:30

vivipru me too. Now that's an interfering MIL.

Original poster
oopslateagain · 27/10/2011 19:30

Grin ViviPru sorry!

Manathome DD specifically wants an iPod Touch to replace her MP3 which is very outdated!

OP posts:
NatashaBee · 27/10/2011 19:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

zukiecat · 27/10/2011 19:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Putrifyno · 27/10/2011 19:37

Manathome - your 2 yo has a iPad? To herself? Confused

Manathome · 27/10/2011 19:37

Get an ipad NOT an ipod, the ipod is limited to what it can do, the ipad is NOTlimited and can act as a book, educational learning, games, music, internet, email, camera, TV, film player and so on, it can also be shared with the rest of the family.

I have them all including ipod, but since buying the ipad I have stopped using the ipod and laptop as it does all of that. The price difference for what you get is minimal, even if you get the original iPad 1 to save a bit of money. Anyway, any help you need just ask me, as I said I have it all here and can answer any questions, I also have a 9 and 2yr old who both have one so can help with kids using it ad what they would use it for.

If you want an MP3 player, ther are plenty of cheap version about that could be bought with the iPad.

Good luck!

BabyGiraffes · 27/10/2011 19:37

D'oh, glad it's not just me who thought she was getting a new brother.. Blush

cuttingpicassostoenails · 27/10/2011 19:39

Vaseline?? Whatever where they thinking? There are much better lubricants available than Vaseline!

Putrifyno · 27/10/2011 19:39

YANBU - if she already has a DSi, I would ask them nicely to get something else. It.s not just the gadget, presumably if its the 3D version she will want to buy compatible games......

Putrifyno · 27/10/2011 19:40

I do agree that the iPad is heaps better than the iPod touch.

Putrifyno · 27/10/2011 19:41

But if you already bought the iPod - how about a nice docking station/speakers for it...?

Putrifyno · 27/10/2011 19:41

And a hefty iTunes voucher.....

Original poster
oopslateagain · 27/10/2011 19:45

I hadn't read the problems about eyesight and headaches, have just googled and I have definitely decided to put my foot down now. DD already wears glasses, don't want to add eye strain and nausea to that!

Manathome the iPod touch is £250-ish. The iPad is nearly £600.

OP posts:
zukiecat · 27/10/2011 19:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Happymm · 27/10/2011 19:47

Still can't get my head around a 2yr old and a 9yr old having their own iPad, as well as parents having one!Hmm
Really Manathome? Where do you go from there I wonder? What are you possibly getting them next?Confused
Whilst my 2yr old, 5yr old and 7yr old have access to my iPad, and I certainly do appreciate it's benefits, I really wouldn't be buying them their own!

fluffy123 · 27/10/2011 19:47

I felt quite jealous when I read your post . Last Christmas my mum brought my two sons bubble bath in a 'Stig' from Top Gear container.

IneedAbetterNickname · 27/10/2011 19:52

2 year olds with I-pads??? Really? Whats wrong with toys???

squeakyfreakytoy · 27/10/2011 19:52

zukie I think that was meant in a jokey way.... Confused